[Ionahenatlast]

I've had my girls for a week now and they're getting to know me and will peck food from my hand, while giving them treats this way i noticed that they have all been debeaked, my question is do i have to keep them trimmed, one in particular has a very square beak which is cracked in the middle and i don't know if i should take her to the vets to get it looked at, it doesn't stop her eating though  and otherwise she seems in good health.  I just wouldn't like to neglect it if it needs seen to.
Thanks

[doganjo]

Yes, that's another cruel thing they do to them.  I leave mine, and haven't had any problems - they do grow back a bit.  Just keep an eye on the one that's split though in case any infection gets in.  It may well heal up though. Did you mention/notice it when you got them.  The rehomers usually do a pretty good job of vetting out any sick/deformed hens before letting them go.  I know Jim Duff does, he has what he calls a 'hospital wing' where they are kept on for a few days to assess them.

[Ionahenatlast]

Thanks for your reply, it's set my mind at rest. No didn't mention it, he was on his own the night we got them, having to catch them and do the paperwork plus trying to get everyone to take less than they originally asked for as he was short of hens, so he was a bit rushed and flustered, he was just going in and grabbing them, sticking them in their boxes and moving on to the next lot. Also to be honest never having had chickens before i wouldn't have known, it's only since getting to know them that i can see its been done, taking kitten to vets on Monday to get neutered so will inquire while there if they have any knowledge of poultry.